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Module 5: Hyperlinked Communities

Building Connections Through Conversation and Engagement

“Communities are human systems given form by conversations that build relatedness.”

—Peter Block, Community: The Structure of Belonging

This week, we turn our attention to the heart of our work: community. As Peter Block reminds us, communities are shaped by the conversations that foster connection and belonging. In the hyperlinked library, our role extends beyond providing resources—we become facilitators of dialogue, creators of inclusive spaces, and active participants in the lives of those we serve.

We’ll explore how libraries can engage hyperlinked communities through various avenues: leveraging technology tools, hosting place-based meetups, and implementing engagement strategies designed to enlighten and entertain. These approaches are not just about outreach; they’re about weaving the library into the fabric of the community, ensuring that our services resonate with and reflect the diverse voices we aim to support.

As you engage with this module, consider how these strategies can be applied to your own practice. How can you foster genuine connections within your community? In what ways can the library serve as a platform for shared experiences and collective growth?

Let’s explore the ways we can build and sustain hyperlinked communities that are dynamic, inclusive, and deeply connected.

Lecture Recording

Things to Read

  • Stephens, M. (2019) “Libraries in Balance” in Wholehearted Librarainship, p. 78
  • Stephens, M. (2016). “Reaching All Users” in The Heart of Librarianship, p. 41

Current Thought

Things to View

Oak Park Public Library. (n.d.). IdeaBox Collections. (Older but super inspiring!)

Things to Explore

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